Nutropin

Generic Name: Somatropin

What is Nutropin?

Nutropin is a medicine that contains human growth hormone. It is used as a replacement for natural growth hormone in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). It is also used to treat children with growth failure due to GHD, Turner syndrome, chronic (long-term) kidney insufficiency, or idiopathic short stature. Nutropin is administered subcutaneously (just below the skin).

What is the most important information I should know about Nutropin?

While you are on Nutropin, increased pressure in your brain can occur, and may include papilledema (swelling of the optic disk), visual changes, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting.

If you have tumors or lesions in your brain, you should be monitored for worsening or recurrence of the tumor or lesions. In addition, Nutropin can cause a second tumor, especially in your brain, after receiving radiation to your head for the first tumor.

In children, Nutropin can cause a progression of scoliosis (curving of the spine) or skeletal abnormalities in children with Turner syndrome or Prader-Willi syndrome (rare genetic disorders). It can also cause ear infections, other ear disorders, high blood pressure, stroke, or heart disorders in children with Turner syndrome.

Slip of the ball of the hip joint can occur in children who have endocrine problems and in children who have rapid growth. Tell your doctor if your child experiences limping or pain in his/her knee or hip.

Nutropin can be reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection, which contains benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Benzyl alcohol can cause toxicity in your newborn baby. You can use Sterile Water for Injection, but you can use only one dose per vial and discard the unused portion.

Who should not take Nutropin?

Do not use Nutropin if you are allergic to it, any of its ingredients, or benzyl alcohol if you are mixing Nutropin with Bacteriostatic Water for Injection. Also, do not use Nutropin if you have eye problems caused by diabetes, active cancer, or if you are critically ill with severe breathing problems or with complications following heart or abdominal surgery, or trauma.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Nutropin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Nutropin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a serious medical condition after having an open heart or abdominal surgery, serious injuries involving many body systems, or breathing problems (such as sudden respiratory failure), cancer or other tumors, multiple hormone deficiencies, hypothyroidism, scoliosis, ear disorders or infections, or diabetes.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose for you based on your condition or weight.

Children: Your doctor will prescribe the appropriate dose for your child, based on their weight.

How should I take Nutropin?

Use Nutropin exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Change the sites of injection every day to avoid injection-site reactions (such as redness or pain).

Your doctor will show you and/or your caregiver how to inject this medicine, as well as how to properly dispose syringes and needles. Please review the instructions that came with your prescription on how to properly use Nutropin.

What should I avoid while taking Nutropin?

After mixing, do not shake the Nutropin solution. Do not inject the solution if cloudiness persists after reconstitution or refrigeration.

Do not reuse needles and syringes.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Nutropin?

If Nutropin is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Nutropin with the following: cyclosporine, diabetes medications, glucocorticoids (such as prednisone), insulin, seizure medications, or sex steroids (such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone).

What are the possible side effects of Nutropin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Can I receive Nutropin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Nutropin during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Nutropin?

If you miss a dose of Nutropin, inject it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not inject two doses at once.

How should I store Nutropin?

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. After mixing, store in the refrigerator and use within 14 days.

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